Tinubu Reportedly Steps In as Rivers Political Tensions Escalate

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly stepped into the escalating conflict between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, sources say.

According to The Punch Report, Tinubu summoned Wike for a meeting aimed at addressing tensions in the state. A source close to the President told reporters the meeting is expected to take place outside Nigeria, with Fubara having flown to France on Thursday to facilitate talks.

The intervention comes as Rivers lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated a fresh impeachment process against Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The Rivers State House of Assembly, during a plenary on Thursday, cited allegations including demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra-budgetary spending, and refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling on financial autonomy.

Speaker Martins Amaewhule described the impeachment notice as “good and in the interest of Rivers State,” and said it would be formally served within seven days. The allegations echo claims that led to a state of emergency in March 2025, after which Tinubu mediated a temporary truce between Fubara and Wike.

A source familiar with the matter said, “The President must see the danger in what Wike is doing. He has summoned him to a meeting abroad. Wike cannot impeach Fubara; the President will call him to order.” The source added that the move could provoke unrest among Ijaw youths, warning of potential economic consequences.

Another senior APC official highlighted party concerns over Wike’s actions, saying, “For a minister to instigate actions likely to lead to insecurity shows disregard for the President and national interest. Stakeholders are watching closely to see what step the President will take.”

Attempts to reach Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, were unsuccessful. However, an ally of the minister indicated he would return to Abuja on Sunday but declined to comment on the impeachment process, stating, “Let’s wait for the day to come. We don’t need to rush things.”

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose weighed in on the impeachment risk, advising Fubara to seek reconciliation. “So many prayers and fasting may be the only thing that can save Fubara in this one. The President will need to assist to calm him down and remind him of the danger before him,” Fayose said.

Meanwhile, Wike emphasized unity during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area, urging leaders to work together under the “Rainbow Coalition” to support Tinubu in 2027. “See what unity has done. By the unity of the leaders, more will come to Andoni. There is no negotiation about supporting Tinubu,” he stated.